Libya’s Anti-Illegal Migration Authority in Tobruk, eastern Libya, has deported 173 migrants of various Asian and African nationalities.
The group was attempting to cross the sea to Europe. According to a statement from the authority, four of the migrants were found to have hepatitis, and two were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
The migrants were transferred from the Bab al-Zaytoun detention centre to the Qanfudah Detention and Deportation Centre. This move was made to complete their deportation procedures through Benina International Airport.
The deportation effort reflects Libya’s ongoing measures to curb illegal migration through its territories. Libya remains a major transit point for migrants aiming to reach Europe via the Mediterranean. Authorities have been intensifying efforts to detain and repatriate those caught en route, especially in light of health concerns among detained individuals.
The migrants’ repatriation follows recent trends where Libyan authorities have ramped up deportations in a bid to manage the inflow of migrants attempting the perilous sea journey. The presence of communicable diseases among the group underscores the challenges faced by detention centres in managing the health needs of migrants while ensuring public safety.
Libya continues to struggle with the complex dynamics of migration, as it deals with the humanitarian aspects of migrant care and the legal imperatives of border control. The deportation of these 173 individuals marks another step in the broader strategy to reduce the number of illegal crossings into Europe.
